The South Pennines LEADER Local Action Group

A Local Action Group (LAG) has been formed to run the South Pennines LEADER programme representing the different social, environmental and economic interests in the South Pennines area. The South Pennines Local Action Group is a small focused group made up of around 12 individuals (6 statutory, 4 community/voluntary sector, 2 private sector).

Appointed LAG members have all got an interest in / expertise in rural development initiatives relating to investment in the area’s cultural and heritage provision, the provision of basic rural services and environmental improvements in rural settlements.

It is the task of the LAG to implement the Local Development Strategy, making decisions about the allocation of financial resources and managing the programme. The South Pennines Local Action Group will maintain an overview of delivery of the LEADER programme and make decisions on direct delivery. The principal functions of the group are to;

• Act as decision making body for the programme;
• Steer all stages of developing the strategy and action plan for the South Pennines LEADER programme, being responsive to changing circumstances, opportunities and challenges;
• Appraise and approve projects (whilst maintaining separation of roles between development and appraisal);
• Commission project development work where required as identified through the production and revision of the programme;
• Make decisions on grant funding where required;
• Monitor the overall implementation and delivery of the LEADER programme, whilst ensuring compliance with financial regulations and requirements;
• Support LEADER staff as required;
• Develop new, and make use of existing community network links;
• Assist in building the capacity of rural communities to enable them to participate inclusively in the LEADER programme;
• Facilitate, promote and support aligned projects seeking non-LEADER RDPE funding and other sources of funding (particularly in the Greater Manchester area)
• Provide updates and reports to Pennine Prospects Board and to communicate LEADER to the general public;
• Ultimately to ensure evaluation of the programme is carried out;
•Ensure sustainability of the programme.